Dear PIA Families and Mentors,

 

Phenomenal I Am, Inc. is monitoring and reacting to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, as we are committed to the safety and well-being of our mentees and mentors. During this time, mentees may need someone with whom to discuss their fears and anxieties in addition to their existing needs. In conjunction from the Governor's Prevention Partnership, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Governor's Lamont's office, we would like to extend the following suggestions to help the valuable work of mentoring to continue during this time:

 

• All upcoming scheduled events listed in a prior email that you've received have been cancelled until further notice, including our monthly group mentoring workshops. 

• All in-person visits and outings are restricted until further notice. Mentors will check in via phone and/or video message such as Skype, Google hangouts, facetime, Zoom etc. Social distancing of 6 feet is recommended. 

• We encourage mentors and mentees to follow universal health precautions, including these recommendations from Governor Lamont’s office:

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Social distance.

  • Wear a face mask.

  • Get tested.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Avoid large gatherings.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

• Limit information intake to trusted sources.

  • Mentees will likely be getting a bulk of their information from social media, which is currently overflowing with unreliable stories, some of which contain dangerous misinformation. When providing information to a mentee, make sure it comes from a trusted source such as:

    • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (website: https://www.cdc.gov) (Twitter: @CDCGov)

    • World Health Organization (website: http://www.who.int/en) (Twitter: @WHO)

    • Office of Governor Lamont (website: https://www.ct.gov/coronavirus) (Twitter: @GovNedLamont)

    • Connecticut Dept. of Public Health (website: https://www.ct.gov/coronavirus) (Twitter: @CTDPH)

 

We’d also like to include this guide from the SEARCH institute on avoiding prejudice and scapegoating during the coronavirus outbreak. It’s important to reinforce to young people that blaming others is not an appropriate way to handle this situation.

 

We know that as this situation continues to develop, more precautions may be required. By working together, we can limit the spread of coronavirus, while continuing the critical work that benefits young people in our community. We will be in touch regarding updates. 

 

Stay Encouraged, Stay Informed, Stay Safe, Stay Healthy. Should you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact me. 

 

Sincerely,

--

Brittany Baines, MSOL

Founder, Executive Director
Phenomenal I Am, Inc.

P.O. Box 8733

New Haven, CT. 06531

www.facebook.com/phenomenaliaminc

203-693-1213

"When you get, give....When you learn, teach!"-Maya Angelou

 

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